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Topic: The sutras of various schools. Origin and differences? (Read 569 times)

So I was checking out the Tripitaka a while ago, and reading some of the DN sutras. What I understand is that the Tripitaka consists of mainly Theravadan scriptures. I've read that in the Mahayana tradition, they do not read the Vinaya Pitaka (the rules and laws in monastic life). So I thought that was pretty much the only difference. Now on this forum I've encountered some Mahayanan sutras, which I didn't even know existed.

My question is, where do these Mahayana sutras come from? I know that the Sutta Pitaka consists of sutras attributed to the Buddha or his closest disciples/companions. But what do the Mahayana sutras consist of? I assume it also has the Buddha's teachings. Then what is the difference between the Sutta Pitaka and the Mahayana sutras? Is there any overlap or are they totally different sutras? Do Mahayana buddhists still read the Tripitaka as well or only their own sutras?